Introduction to Effective Field Theory
Thinking Effectively about Hierarchies of Scale

This advanced, accessible textbook on effective field theories uses worked examples to bring this important topic to a wider audience.

C. P. Burgess (Author)

9780521195478, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 December 2020

660 pages
26 x 18.3 x 3.4 cm, 1.52 kg

'This book can serve as a reference work for graduate students of theoretical physics as well as a professional reference … Recommended.' M. O. Farooq, Choice

Using examples from across the sub-disciplines of physics, this introduction shows why effective field theories are the language in which physical laws are written. The tools of effective field theory are demonstrated using worked examples from areas including particle, nuclear, atomic, condensed matter and gravitational physics. To bring the subject within reach of scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there are clear physical explanations, rigorous derivations, and extensive appendices on background material, such as quantum field theory. Starting from undergraduate-level quantum mechanics, the book gets to state-of-the-art calculations using both relativistic and nonrelativistic few-body and many-body examples, and numerous end-of-chapter problems derive classic results not covered in the main text. Graduate students and researchers in particle physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, string theory, and mathematical physics more generally, will find this book ideal for both self-study and for organized courses on effective field theory.

Part I. Theoretical framework
1. Decoupling and hierarchies of scale
2. Effective actions
3. Power counting and matching
4. Symmetries
5. Boundaries
Part II. Relativistic applications
7. Conceptual issues (relativistic systems)
8. QCD and chiral perturbation theory
9. The Standard Model as an effective theory
10. General Relativity as an effective theory
Part III. Nonrelativistic Applications
11. Conceptual issues (nonrelativistic systems)
12. Electrodynamics of non-relativistic particles
13. First-quantized methods
Part IV. Many-body applications
14. Goldstone bosons again
15. Degenerate systems
16. EFTs and open systems
Appendix A Conventions and units
Appendix B Momentum eigenstates and scattering
Appendix C Quantum field theory: a cartoon
Appendix D Further reading
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Particle & high-energy physics [PHP], Nuclear physics [PHN], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]